Technical Abstract:
Newcastle disease virus, also known as avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1), is an important poultry pathogen worldwide. Sensitive rapid diagnostic tests exist to detect APMV-1; however, due to the heterogeneous genetic nature of this virus, a unique and phylogenetically separated group of low-virulence viruses may be missed with current tests. These viruses are commonly found in waterfowl and shorebirds, but are also known to infect domestic poultry with at least some being virulent. This study outlines the development of a primer and probe set that detects members of this divergent group. Additionally, this set is compatible with the currently validated matrix real-time RT-PCR as a multiplex test.